Interview Question

What is cascade delete?

Cascade delete automatically removes dependent foreign-key rows.

💡 Concept ✅ Quick Revision 🗃️ SQL

Answer

ON DELETE CASCADE makes deletion of a referenced row delete its matching referencing rows. • The action is declared on a foreign key. • It is appropriate when child rows cannot exist without the parent. • It can remove many rows, so the relationship and permissions must be reviewed carefully.

💡 SQL Example

FOREIGN KEY (order_id) REFERENCES orders(order_id) ON DELETE CASCADE

Result

Deleting an order also deletes its dependent rows

⚡ Quick Revision

Cascade delete automatically removes dependent foreign-key rows.